Activision has registered 17 new domains that seem to suggest that the company is planning some sort of move to deliver the Call of Duty franchise to China in some form. The domains all have China in the title in some way, but Activision isn’t talking on what the plans could actually be.

The domains were registered on June 25th by the Internet brand protection company, MarkMonitor. Companies such as MarkMonitor specialize in protecting key IP branding that is used in domains from being acquired by companies other than the actual authorized owner. The process is actually becoming quite prevalent in many industries as companies struggle to protect their branding on the Internet from falling into the wrong hands.

While the move by Activision could be nothing more than a move to protect the brand, it could signal something else related to a move by Activision to bring COD to China in some way. Sources that we have spoken with seem confused by the move, but it would not be surprising if it is nothing more than an IP protection move.

Microsoft has announced its Xbox Summer Stadium promotion that will be running from June 15th to August 12th. The 8-week program will offer a calendar of sports entertainment and gaming events, as well as a season-long tournament with weekly challenges. Of course, Microsoft will be giving away a lot of prizes and will also be attempting to break a Guinness World Record during the promotion.

By playing selected sports games on your Xbox you can train for complete challenges through playing selected titles. Players that participate will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win 4,000 Microsoft points. Games include Forza Motorsport 4, Kinect Sports Season 2, Dance Central 2, and FIFA 12.

Microsoft will be trying to get into the Guinness World Record books again on June 16th at 6PM BST when players have the chance to join thousands of other runners by taking on the 100 meter sprint from Kinect Sports Season 1. The company is trying to create a record with the most engaged in the Kinect 100 meter sprint at one time.

Microsoft will be working with partners to provide streaming sports entertainment for you to watch during the promotion. Of course, you must have an Xbox Live Gold Membership in order to be watching this sports entertainment.

The only down side about this promotion is that (at least for the time being) it appears to be only for those Xbox 360 players in the U.K. so far.

The browser-based F1 Online that was announced last year from Codemasters is apparently ready for its first beta. The game’s official web site will be taking registrations for the beta. According to Codemasters, it will be a closed beta, but those participating will apparently be able to earn in-game rewards for when the game goes live.

The game is a top-down multiplayer browser-based title. It is compatible with both the PC and Mac from our understanding. The game takes the unique approach of combining both the management sim with actual multiplayer top down racing. The game does, of course, feature all of the teams, drivers, and circuits of the official 2011 Formula One World Championship.